It was the morning of Bowser's wedding. All those who lived in the Darklands and Koopa Kingdom would be in attendance. In any other circumstance Bowser would be over the moon, elated at the prospect of marrying Princess Peach. Instead, he was dressed in his top hat and suit, and waiting outside Luigi's bedroom door.

Despite being the King of the Koopas and feared by thousands...he couldn't deny he was a little nervous to face Luigi. Their last encounter was nothing short of unpleasant, and he couldn't imagine how worse it would be if he messed it up again. Not that it was very hard to do so. He had, after all, told the man his brother was dead. It would take a lot of effort to redeem himself.

Did he dare approach Luigi when he was in such a vulnerable state? He wasn't so sure. Perhaps if he apologized like Kamek had suggested, then there was a chance he could be forgiven. He wanted to rule, and he wanted Luigi to forgive him. If only it was simple enough to have both.

Just do it. What's the worst that could happen?

He took a deep breath and knocked thrice on the door. No response.

He wanted to backtrack. Run away even. All he could see was Luigi's beautiful, yet broken eyes hidden behind the door. He cleared his throat. "Uh...hello?"

Again, no response.

The koopa king tapped his foot impatiently. "I know you're in there."

There was some movement from inside the room. A choked sob.

"Luigi, listen I- I wanted to say that I'm," He was fumbling with his words like a fool. "I'm sorry, okay?" He was yelling a bit, which he knew Luigi hated.

His impatience only grew as Luigi continued to ignore him. He stomped his foot so hard it shook the castle floors. All he wanted was the man to accept his apology, or at least give him a response. Alas, Luigi decided to keep him in the dark.

"I demand you answer me this instant!"

"Go away!" cried the muffled voice behind the door, followed by a string of phrases that definitely sounded like swears.

His heart would have fluttered just at hearing his voice on any other occasion. But he was getting frustrated. Being the King of the Koopas, anyone who had the courage and gall to disrespect him would end up in flames. He couldn't do that to Luigi, even if he was losing his patience. The plumber had to know he was treading on thin ice.

"How dare you speak to me like that!" Bowser pounded harder on the door. "I'll rip open the door and then we'll see just how brave you are!"

"Do it, see if I care!"

"I will!" He roared, hand on the doorknob. He was ready for anything at this point, and with Luigi outright challenging him, he was more than willing.

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

But he stayed put, retracting his claw and running it through his hair. "You're impossible. I don't know what I ever saw in you-" He groaned. With some reluctance, he continued. "Look, I'm getting married today. I want you to be there."

"No thanks."

"No?" He could feel his blood pressure rising. "You will be there whether you like it or not! I'm the King, you're my prisoner and I say you will be there! That's not a request."

"Vai a prenderlo in culo!" Luigi snarled.

"That better mean you'll be there..." He grumbled under his breath as he stomped away. It wasn't worth getting in a sour mood over this. He was getting married. He should be happy, thrilled even.

But he wasn't. He was miserable. And he only continued to make himself worse by this display of self sabotage. He was pushing Luigi further away from him. Not that he could blame him.

He would have to try again. If only-

"Pops?"

Bowser jolted. He spun around to face the intruder, only to find his second eldest instead.

"Lemmy!" He coughed, pretending that he hadn't been scared. "You startled me."

His son tilted his head. He was dressed in a similar suit and tie as his siblings, but he was fidgeting uncomfortably. Like a nest of buzzy beetles had somehow burrowed into his clothes. "Why were you yelling at Mr. Luigi?"

"I wasn't...yelling."

"You were. I heard you."

He sighed. Lemmy may be one of his older kids, but he was peculiar in a sense that his maturity was definitely behind the rest of his siblings. He seemed to act a bit off at times. But he was also impressed at how sharp he was when he wanted to be.

"You don't need to worry about it, son," He patted his shoulder, surprised to see Lemmy flinch away at the nickname. He supposed it was typical teenage angst playing a role. "Are you ready?"

Lemmy shook his head. "Not really..."

Bowser frowned. "What's the matter?"

"Do I have to wear a tux?" The teen asked with a slight whine.

"It's my wedding, Lemmy, you have to look presentable."

"It's not that, it's just...it makes me look like a..." He whispered something that sounded an awful lot like 'boy'.

"Alright, what would you rather wear?"

Lemmy mumbled something unintelligible.

"How about this," Bowser suggested. "I'll let you wear whatever you want. Just be sitting in your spot by the time the wedding happens."

Lemmy brightened. "Deal! Thanks Dad!"

As he scurried off, Bowser was at least relieved he made somebody happy.

He tried again once his kids had been attended to. He didn't knock, and instead found himself sitting outside the bedroom door.

"I know I don't deserve your forgiveness." He said. "I wouldn't forgive me either. If...it had been one of my family, I wouldn't be able to survive without them." He stood up, pacing up and down, hoping Luigi could hear him. "I offered you a place in my kingdom for a reason. It was selfish, yes, but I do enjoy your company. And when I told you what happened to your brother...to Mario, I ...I don't know.

Some twisted part of me thought you would choose me over him. But I was wrong. I won't be able to make him come back, but I want to try. I want to make things right. Because ...because I think you matter to me." The last part was uttered so quietly for fear of Luigi hearing such an embarrassing statement that may or may not be true.

He balled up his fists. "But what does it matter? You're not even listening. And besides...I have to marry Peach. It's what I'm supposed to do. Our wedding is in an hour. I have to...I have to go."

Little did he know, Luigi was listening.

Luigi hadn't moved from under the covers. His tears dampened the pillow, and his room was in shambles from his panic attack, but he didn't care. He was in such a terrible state that it hardly mattered if his room was looking well.

To think, Bowser offered him to be at his wedding. Of all the ridiculous things. Like water was completely under the bridge. Like Bowser had not offered to give Luigi a chance to join his side. Like Bowser hadn't murdered his brother in cold blood.

He wiped at his eyes, his vision finally becoming less blurry from crying. At last his breathing steadied and he felt at ease.

With some hope, perhaps the Princess did indeed have a plan. If Luigi couldn't escape, then her kingdom could be saved at the very least. She seemed determined to save it. Sure, he didn't plan on living there himself, but he didn't want Bowser to take control over it either. Not to mention the Ice Kingdom that belonged to the Penguin King, and a few others that Bowser had mentioned invading.

His thoughts were muddled. He felt confused and hurt at Bowser's reveal, but he couldn't hide that at some point he did indeed enjoy his company too weirdly enough. Whenever Bowser wasn't bragging about his victories or shouting at him that is.

He didn't understand what Bowser meant by trying to make things right. How could he possibly make things right?

But he didn't have time to dwell on that. His door burst open suddenly and several Shy Guys came rushing in two by two. Their leader, a Snifit, made a beeline to Luigi's bedside.

"Wh-" He rubbed his eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"You are coming with us." He said in a monotone voice. "As per the king's request."

He shook his head stubbornly. "I- I already told him no."

"You are coming with us." The Snifit repeated. "Don't make this difficult."

"I'm not going, I don't feel like it. Can he...can he come back and I'll tell him again?"

Some of the Shy Guys snickered, raising their pointy spears. Luigi gasped and stumbled out of bed, holding his hands up.

"I guess that answers that..."

The Shy Guys ignored him and clambered over, grabbing hold of each of his limbs and laughing at his weak struggles as they pulled him forward. No matter how hard he tried to wriggle away, the guards were much more agile than he ever was. He toppled over, attempting to scramble away- but they were blocking all exits. Eventually he found his wrists tied.

"The wedding will be starting soon, Human." said the Snifit. "You will be coming with us."

Dejected, Luigi finally complied.

In a few minutes, the wedding would begin. Peach anxiously fixed her translucent veil, then folded her skirts to seem somewhat presentable. If everything went to plan, then she wouldn't have to marry that monster. But time was ticking, and she knew that if Toad didn't arrive soon, her nightmare would become a reality.

She was about to give up, when a squeaky voice grabbed her attention. Toad came running towards her, carrying flowers bigger than his head.

"Toad!" She smiled in relief, accepting the bouquet, and using her other arm to embrace her friend. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you."

Toad winked, passing the flowers to her. "Can't have you walking down the aisle without your bouquet."

"You're the best, thank you." She gave him one last quick hug. "Be careful, please. Stay hidden and don't cause any trouble."

He nodded firmly. "You can count on me, Princess." He darted away swiftly, finding a pillar to hide behind in the nick of time.

The chimes of a bell rang throughout the castle. The doors opened, and music started to play.

Peach took a deep breath. She was ready.

This wedding was definitely unusual. Aside from the table filled with gifts, the guests seated were all sorts of Dark Land inhabitants. Dry Bones, King Bob-Bomb in the front row, Boos, more koopas, goombas and parakoopas fluttering above her head. They were in the clouds, and below them was a sea of lava. She gulped, but wasn't surprised since it was a fitting aesthetic for Bowser.

Near the front were all the Koopalings dressed in formal attire, their wild hairstyles polished and brushed for once. Lemmy and Wendy were wearing matching pastel dresses, while the others were dressed in tuxedos. The only one not present was Ludwig, who was seated by the organ playing a distorted wedding march tune. Bowser himself was dressed in a hideous tux of his own with a top hat.

Junior giggled as he skipped ahead with the rings, bouncing down the aisle with an impossible amount of energy. He wedged himself behind his father, who was standing proudly by the heart shaped arch. His smile was so wide, it was practically splitting in two.

She finally moved down the rose petal scattered aisle. Every step she took felt heavy, like chains tied to her heels dragging her down. Her heart was pounding, preparing for the worst. As if things couldn't get worse, she saw to her right was Luigi, who was tied to a chair in the back. He was dressed up for her wedding, most likely not from his own choice.

She concentrated on what she had to do, marching with purpose to the arch. She had to hold on a little longer and pretended to be happy. Bowser flashed her a grin, showcasing all of his sharp teeth. She grimaced, fighting the urge to vomit right then and there. She had to stay strong.

And then her eyes landed on the Super Star hovering above them. If only she could take it...

Kamek cleared his throat. "Dearly beloved," He gestured with one claw to the crowd. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union between King Bowser Koopa VII of the Darklands and Princess Peach Toadstool of the Mushroom Kingdom. Together, their love brings such a unique bond between such different creatures, yet is stronger than ever."

Kamek's speech went on for nearly ten minutes, so much so that it was practically rambling. The koopalings were all yawning and fidgeting, and how Peach wished she could do the same. This was painful.

"Does anyone object?"

With one kick to the shin with her heel, Kamek received his answer. He was knocked out cold.

Peach's eyes darted back to Luigi, who lifted his head to weakly acknowledge her. Smirking, she reached into her bouquet to reveal a shimmering ice flower. The touch transformed her white gown into a silvery blue.

"I object!" She declared, whipping around to glare at Bowser. "Did you really think I would marry you?"

Bowser stood dumbfounded. "I mean...yeah, kinda?"

"I would never marry a monster." She spat. "Luigi, hold on!" She swirled around and tossed ice balls directly at Bowser, hitting him instantly and freezing him like an ice sculpture.

~•~

Luigi honestly had not expected much from this wedding. He had a funny feeling neither parties were pleased about the arrangement, and yet, here they were. It felt like a mockery to him all things considered, an added salt to the wound to Luigi's life.

As much as he denied it, as much as he would refuse to admit it after everything, he cared about Bowser. He had grown fond of him and the time that they shared together. He felt understood.

He knew it was crazy. He knew it was wrong. But he couldn't help it. It was hard to believe how quickly the tide changed.

It was a fantasy, imagining them ever having a happy ending. But at the same time, he had hoped they would have had a chance. Bowser had shown him kindness, a sense of compassion that he would have never expected.

Now that was ruined. Any chance they had at a happy ending, was taken away once Bowser had revealed the truth about Mario.

He wasn't there when it happened, but how could Luigi not blame him? Who else was he to blame in this situation besides the koopa who had the vendetta against his brother?

Whatever happened to him, whatever happened to Bowser...Luigi wouldn't care. He wanted so desperately to hate him.

He didn't bother trying to escape a third time. In a depressing turn of events, he honestly didn't care. Watching the one he cared about marry another was not nearly as painful as losing his brother. So he didn't struggle one bit as he stayed tied to the chair, watching the events unfold. And unfold it did.

He knew from the moment he met the Princess that she was a force to be reckoned with. The tricks she had up her sleeve was impressive to say the least. He had not expected her to blast the mighty koopa king with ice, for that matter.

Once she was sure he was frozen solid, Peach made a run for him. "Luigi, hold on!" She untied him from his bounds. "Are you alright?"

He didn't have time to respond. Seeing as Bowser was currently incapacitated, all of his minions came charging towards them with weapons raised. Luigi gasped, ducking for cover as a Hammer bro threw his trademark hammer at his head-which he only barely missed.

"Don't let them escape!" A paratroopa hollered, diving forward and attempting to grab at them, only to be frozen by Peach's power up. The statue plummeted to the ground and cracked into pieces.

"Follow my lead, I'll cover for you!" Peach said, freezing more enemies in front of her. Luigi was no fighter, but he did manage to jump on a few goombas and flatten them.

"We're outnumbered, Princess! What do we do?" He shouted over the minions' roars. He didn't dare approach Bowser, for fear of harming him. With him being frozen, it didn't seem fair to attack. Not that he really deserved any mercy...

He saw the Koopalings had chosen the same, refusing to fight either him or Peach, and opting for attempting to slowly thaw out their father with their fire breath.

"Not for long!" said a loud squeaky voice. A small creature with a mushroom hat came charging out to the floating fortress, frying pan in hand. "Come get some!" He smacked a few goombas and cheered at his own victory.

"No, Luigi's still right, we're terribly outnumbered!" Peach wiped at her brow. "We should-" She was interrupted as a bob-omb exploded near her, knocking her to the ground and removing her power up.

"Princess!" Luigi and Toad cried out, but they were too far away to reach her. While Toad redirected his anger towards the bob-bomb throwers, Luigi had his own battle to face.

Roy Koopa had pushed aside all the other miscellaneous minions, and was the only koopaling willing to face Luigi. His sunglasses were gone, revealing furious green eyes.

"You." He said behind gritted teeth.

"Roy I-"

"All we wanted was Dad to stop moping around and find someone to rule over with!" Roy snapped. "Then you and Peach had to go and ruin it! Why couldn't you just cooperate?"

Luigi was unable to respond. Even the goombas fighting him seemed stunned.

"Well I've had enough. Take this, human!" Roy shouted, blasting a fireball. Without thinking, Luigi dove forward, already out of breath from fighting and dodging.

"Please, don't do this Roy." He begged. He couldn't imagine fighting a teenager, especially one who he knew was a well rounded kid overall, if a bit temperamental.

However when the fireball came flying, it wasn't remotely close to him. Luigi knew Roy was prideful of his fire breath and never missed if he could help it. Then it hit him. It was a distraction. But he was too late-his clumsy dodge had made him stumble backwards. And unfortunately for him, there were no barriers behind him on the floating fortress, despite his efforts to steady himself or grab something. All to no avail.

He was falling.

He heard shouts, a chorus of screams saying his name. Paralyzed with fear, Luigi let gravity overtake him. He shut his eyes, too scared to look down at the boiling heat below him. The only thing he could do was wait until he felt the impact.

But that never happened. Instead, with his face inches away from the lava, something, no someone was pulling him up by the arms.

"Gotcha!"

Luigi yelped, opening his eyes as he was lifted higher and higher, soaring through the air. It took just a moment for him to realize who it was.

"Mario?!"

He lifted his head, relief washing over him the moment he saw his brother's beaming face. If he wasn't flying in midair, both of them would have jumped for joy.

Mario successfully landed on a nearby cloud, and Luigi didn't hesitate to embrace his brother, who accepted the hug and even managed to lift him off his feet.

"Mario!" He said again, as if reassuring himself that he was really there. "You're-you're here! You came back for me!"

"Hey, of course I did," Mario said, laughing as he gave his brother another tight hug. "I told you, as long as we're together it'll be okay! I'm just sorry I took so long, fratellino."

Luigi gave a watery smile. "I...thought...Bowser told me you were dead."

"Dead?" Mario blinked. "Oh, yeah I did get swallowed by a giant eel. But it really wasn't a big deal."

"Mario! I was so scared and I thought you were really gone!" Luigi brushed his bangs back in exasperation. "And you're telling me you-" He stopped to look closer at his older twin. He hadn't noticed until now, but he was clad in what looked like a brown fursuit, complete with ears and a tail. "Why are you dressed like a bear? What is this?" He ruffled the top of Mario's head, who simply replied by wagging his tail.

"It's a long story. But you should talk, look at you!" Mario gestured towards Luigi's suit. "Did Bowser invite you to be one of his groomsmen?"

"Well-"

"MARIO!" Toad shoved himself in between the brothers. "I can't believe it! My best friend's alive and didn't die a painfully long death!"

"It's good to see you too, but we really need to get back and save the Princess!"

The battle continued, thankfully with some help. Mario's gorilla friend (pet? rival? Luigi wasn't so sure) Donkey Kong had rescued the prisoners, and proclaimed them as reinforcements to help beat the remaining koopa army. The koopalings all fled by the time they finished fighting.

But the battle was far from over. Luigi held back a gasp as he saw the fiery red eyes belonging to Bowser himself.

He had broken free from his ice prison.

Bowser stood amongst the chaos that was once his wedding day. He would have been enraged at the sight before him. Instead, he was relieved...and cold from the ice flower's effects.

Mario. The man he briefly considered a rival was alive and had finally reunited with his brother. Initially he loathed him. How could he not? He was the one in the way of his romance with Peach.

But his yearning for Peach seemed to fade the longer he spent time with Luigi. And now, seeing how happy Mario made Luigi, and how close he was to freedom, Bowser knew what he had to do.

"We meet at last, Mario."

Mario immediately stood in a protective stance in front of his friends and brother. "It's over, Bowser. You've lost."

His eyes darted to Luigi. It wasn't the battle that he truly lost. "I know."

"Yeah, so you better- wait what?"

"The wedding is canceled as you probably noticed." Bowser said simply, nodding his head in Peach's direction. "I have no use for the Super Star, so you can take it."

His feelings for Princess Peach never felt real the more he dwelled on it. He liked imagining what it would be like to rule alongside a fellow royal, but he never felt true, genuine love for her. It hadn't been a facade, but it definitely felt more like an obligation, a given as time went on. He still thought she was beautiful and breathtaking, but she wasn't who he desperately wanted.

The trouble was how he was going to move forward from this. Did he dare face Luigi after everything he had done? Like it or not, he hadn't been exactly a desirable suitor. He had attempted to stay true to his advice, but after everything it seemed unlikely they would ever meet again after this.

Oh how he loathed feelings, especially when he didn't understand them.

It felt embarrassing to admit defeat so easily. He knew it made him look weak. But in due time, perhaps he could obtain what he truly wanted.

No one could love a monster like Bowser. He once prided himself on being ruthless, unloving, cruel. Yet here he was, preparing to let Mario win and Luigi free from his captivity.

Even with all the odds stacked against him, knowing full well after everything that had happened that Luigi would never care for him.

Because...Bowser needed Luigi to be happy. He didn't know why. He didn't understand it. But he did.

"Wait!" Bowser held his hand up, blocking the brothers from coming closer. "You're right. You win. I surrender and...all that junk." He fought the urge to groan.

"Ha, like we would actually fall for that!" Donkey Kong laughed.

"After everything you've done, you're just giving up?" Mario folded his arms. "What are you playing at, Bowser?"

Bowser didn't answer.

"So, you're not going to force me to marry you or take over all the kingdoms in the land?"

Peach stepped forward, her suspicion growing.

"No, I've turned over a new leaf! I'm just gonna go now. Back to my castle and out of your way."

"I don't buy it." Toad said.

"Me neither." Peach muttered. "Prove it then. Return the Super Star."

Bowser shrugged and snapped his fingers. The Super Star landed in the flippers of the Penguin King-the original owner.

"Why are you doing this?" Peach asked.

"Eh, I need to focus on my own kingdom for now." He said. "My kids need me too. Anyway, I should be going. The wedding may have been a disaster, but Peach I hope you're not too heartbroken by our break up."

"I'll try to be strong." She replied wryly.

"Mario..." He addressed the red plumber. "You fought my army pretty honorably, I'll give ya that."

"Thanks?"

"But next time you're going down." He turned to Toad and Donkey Kong. "You two..." He paused. "We didn't talk much. Moving on!" Finally he landed on Luigi. "And Luigi...I think I'll miss you most of all, Scarecrow." He winked, backing towards the flying clown car behind him. "Well...bye!"

As he flew back to his kingdom, the five heroes stared blankly at each other, dumbfounded.

Mario scratched his head. "So...I think we won?"

"Does anyone else feel like this whole battle was anticlimactic?" Toad asked.

"What were you expecting?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe more explosions? A final showdown between heroes showing each of our skills and how much we've grown? More angst and drama? I dunno, just throwing it out there."

Peach stared at him strangely. "I'm actually relieved we don't have to fight any longer. What matters is we're all in one piece. Is everyone okay?"

Mario smiled, patting Luigi's shoulder and beaming up at Peach. "We are now."

With the day saved, Princess Peach invited the brothers to a celebratory feast at the palace. It was definitely last minute, especially since most of the population had evacuated once Bowser's invasion had reached the kingdom. But now with everyone safe and sound, it only seemed fitting to celebrate.

Once it was promised that extra precautions had been made, since a few paranoid residents feared that Bowser would return. As such, the Mario Brothers happily obliged to stay a little longer.

But Mario was less than thrilled about a celebratory banquet in his honor the following evening.

"Are you sure? I feel like Lu and I just need to...adjust to everything y'know?"

"Please let us just have a nice dinner? I insist." Peach asked. "We all do. We have to thank you somehow."

"I couldn't have done it alone." Mario said. "And Bowser gave up during the fight anyway. I'm hardly a hero-"

"Don't be so modest, you held your own pretty well, mustache." said Donkey Kong. "As much as I hate to say it, you did okay."

"And without you scaring Bowser off, who knows what state our kingdom would be in!" Toad added. "Plus Luigi would still be trapped all alone."

Luigi perked up at the mention of his name. He hadn't been listening to the conversation at all, and was instead focusing on why Bowser had surrendered in the first place.

"Exactly!" Peach agreed, gesturing for everyone to take their seats at the elegant dining table. Several villagers, including a girl named Toadette and an elderly Toad named Toadsworth joined them. "Which is why we celebrate!" She raised her glass as a toast.

"Three cheers for Mario!" shouted a blue Toad with an unusually deep voice. Those present erupted into cheers, shouts and applause.

Mario blushed, embarrassed by the praise. He seemed to shrink back even more as Luigi gave him a quick, but affectionate punch on the arm. "Guys..."

"I'm clapping because we're getting food, not because of you." Donkey Kong said, whooping louder when servers came marching in with trays of mouth watering delicacies, including a mushroom stew that smelled delicious.

All of them were starving from the adventure, so the only sound made was the clinking of silverware. That was, until Toad spoke up with a mouthful of food muffling his speech.

"Bet this beats whatever slop you were given in Bowser's dungeon, eh Luigi?"

"If he was even fed at all." Donkey Kong said, opting to eat with his hands instead of the forks and knives provided.

Luigi was staring blankly at his plate, thinking back to the times he ate with Bowser. He thought of the pasta Bowser had whipped up specifically for him. It was such a sweet gesture.

"Uh, Luigi?" Mario nudged him. "You okay? You look a little red. Are you coming down with a fever?"

"Hm? Oh, yes! I mean, yes I'm okay." He nodded a little too enthusiastically. "Never better. Say, how about you tell me about your adventure!"

Mario's eyes sparkled as he retold Luigi every single detail. He told him about the impossible training course Peach had made him do, the power ups he was given and the battle against Donkey Kong.

"Wait, you defeated the monkey dressed as a kitten?" Luigi laughed. "Quanto carino, bro! That's hilarious."

Donkey Kong groaned. "I was going easy on him!"

"Sure you were, DK." Mario teased, ignoring his friend's fierce glare. "Oh, but Weegee, after I kicked his butt we ended up working together and go karting on rainbows!"

"I can't believe you said that like it was a completely normal sentence." Luigi quipped, his voice dry.

"Do you not have go karts in your world?" Peach asked.

He snorted. "We do but we don't ride 'em' on rainbows..."

"It was amazing!" Mario said, sliding some mushrooms onto Luigi's plate before continuing, simultaneously eating and talking. "We have to do it again sometime." He frowned. "Ah, sorry ...I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? I mean, after everything you've been through."

"Not everyone can handle the wrath of Bowser." agreed Peach. "You're very brave, Luigi. Although I'm not surprised, I think it runs in the family."

"I'm just...really sorry I didn't save you sooner." Mario said softly. "You must have been so scared."

Though he meant no harm by it, Luigi felt a twinge of annoyance at the unintentional condescending statement.

It was true at first he had been scared. Terrified even. He had been taken to a lava filled castle guarded by all sorts of creepy creatures crawling about. But then he spent time with Bowser and discovered he was, deep down, a lonely soul who only wanted a companion. He was also a guy who doted on his kids and loved music and-

Luigi froze. "Heh...yeah, I was ...so scared."

Mario didn't catch his obvious lie, and instead gave him a quick noogie, like they were still kids. "But we came just in time to save you, baby bro! Now that monster won't ever harm you again."

"Hm...yeah, I guess." Luigi pushed his plate aside, having not touched it at all. "I'm uh, actually really tired. That rescue took a lot out of me." Thankfully everyone else nodded in understanding. "Thank you for the food, Princess."

"No need to worry." The kindness in her tone made him feel less awkward about leaving so abruptly. "Get some rest."

Some Toad servants had shown him the way to his guest room, leaving him alone at last. It was much less gaudy than the one he stayed in while at Bowser's castle. It had cream and pink accents with a simple, yet elegant king size bed. There was a closet and dresser too-not that he had anything to put away.

He sighed, images of Bowser's crimson eyes still appearing in his mind. It would do him some good to sleep and not think about him, but how could he not? It seemed like everywhere he turned it reminded him of Bowser.

Deep down he hoped he would see him again.

Furiously he shook his head. That was nonsense, surely. No, he was not going to see Bowser again. He was either going to stay in Toad Town, or move back to Brooklyn and live a perfectly normal life. Yes, that had to be the right plan.

He groaned. He was too tired for this.

The door creaked open. "Hey." Mario shifted his feet nervously, holding a plate of leftovers from the dinner. "I saw you didn't eat."

Luigi flushed. "Oh, I'm not-"

"Lu, you're always hungry," Mario interjected, placing the plate on the bedside table. "You can't fool me."

Luigi glanced at the food, but didn't move. "I'm fine."

"A little overwhelmed?" Luigi's weak nod confirmed his question. "If you want, tomorrow I can ask the Princess if we can head back to Brooklyn instead? It might make you feel more at ease to be at home again after everything."

"No. I...I said I'd help. And I like it here. It's just...it's hard." He rubbed his eyes. "Trying to pretend that everything is okay is a lot."

"You don't have to pretend anything." Mario said firmly. "It's been barely a few hours, no one is expecting you to be fully recovered after a traumatic event."

He joined Luigi's side, squeezing his shoulder. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Mario. I was so scared that I lost you."

"But you didn't," He replied. "I'm like a cockroach. You can never get rid of me." His smile faltered slightly, eyebrows furrowing.

"Mario?"

"It's just...I was scared too." He admitted.

Luigi scoffed. "You? Scared?"

"All my life I've wanted to be there for you and when I couldn't...I felt so helpless. And I meant what I said, I promise he won't harm you ever again."

Luigi moved closer to his brother, feeling relief washing over him. They were safe at last. They were, for the time being, home.

"Hey, uh, do you mind if you stay here tonight?" He asked. "I'm still getting used to you being actually here."

"Yeah, I'll bring some blankets over so I can sleep on the floor." Mario assured him.